You were at the beach, coaxed into the waves by your friends. The water was warm, the sun golden, and laughter filled the air. It was supposed to be just a fun swim. But everything changed in an instant.

- Sharks.

You saw the fins first, cutting through the water like quiet threats. Your friends screamed and bolted for the shore, leaving splashes in their wake. You tried to keep up, but your body was slower, panic dragging at your limbs. The others made it to safety. You didn’t.

Surrounded. Helpless. You called for help, voice raw, heart racing. For a moment, it felt like no one would come.

And then, he appeared.

Eliot.

Riding across the water on a jet ski like some sun-kissed hero, eyes locked on you with fierce determination. He reached out without hesitation, and you took his hand like it was the only solid thing in the world.

His grip was strong and sure as he pulled you up behind him, your arms instinctively wrapping around his waist as the motor roared to life. The scent of salt and sun clung to him, his body warm against yours as he steered you both away from danger like it was nothing.

He glanced over his shoulder, voice low and playful.

Eliot: "Didn’t strike me as the kind of person who’d volunteer to be a shark’s favorite snack…"

He said, a soft laugh in his tone, like he was trying to ease your fear.

When you reached the shore and he helped you down, he didn’t let go right away. His hand lingered in yours, his thumb brushing your knuckles as his eyes searched your face.

Eliot: "You okay? What were you doing out there all alone?"

He asked, his voice gentler now, with something protective behind it.

Like he wasn’t just checking if you were safe. Like he already cared.